Ana Ivanovic recalls French Open SF against Maria Sharapova, lauds Iga Swiatek, and discusses husband Bastian Schweinsteiger's tennis skills

Ana Ivanovic recently shared her admiration for Iga Swiatek, before fondly recalling her French Open semifinal against Maria Sharapova. She also discussed her husband and former footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger's improving tennis skills.

Ivanovic, a former World No. 1, announced her retirement from professional tennis in December 2016. Earlier that year, she had tied the knot with German World Cup-winning footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The couple share three children together. They welcomed their first son in 2018 and their second in 2019. The Serb gave birth for the third time in May 2023.

On July 4, Ivanovic held a Q&A session on social media and was asked who she would name as her favorite active tennis player. Ivanovic called Iga Swiatek her favorite, praising the Pole's impressive all-court ability.

"My favorite active tennis player is @iga_swiatek as i think she is really a all court player!" she tweeted.

When asked about her best match, Ivanovic pointed to her 2007 French Open semifinal clash against Maria Sharapova. The former World No. 1 defeated five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova 6-2, 6-1 in Paris that year before falling to two-time defending champion Justine Henin in the final.

"There were few of my favorite matches, but one that comes to my mind is the 2007 @rolandgarros semi-final against Maria #Sharapova," she responded.

Upon being questioned about her husband Bastian Schweinsteiger's progress in tennis, Ivanovic revealed that while his skills had improved significantly, he still required further training.

"It's getting better and better, but we still need a lot of training," she commented.

Iga Swiatek set to take on Sara Sorribes Tormo in Wimbledon 2023 2R

Iga Swiatek advances to the second round at Wimbledon 2023

Iga Swiatek commenced her Wimbledon 2023 campaign in commanding fashion, defeating Zhu Lin 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the second round. The World No. 1 was clinical in her play, striking 22 winners and saving three of four break points.

The World No. 1 will continue her quest for her maiden title at the grasscourt Major against Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second round on Wednesday, July 5. Sorribes Tormo defeated Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-1 to book her spot against the Pole.

Swiatek will be hoping to make a strong showing at Wimbledon 2023 after suffering an early exit at last year's edition. The top seed secured wins over Jana Fett and Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove in 2022 before falling to Alize Cornet in the third round.

Following her win in the first round on Monday, Swiatek expressed confidence in her improved skills this time around.

"This year I feel like we did more in terms of just like my baseline game, but also footwork I think because I just had more time to try all these things that I practiced on matches in Bad Homburg," Iga Swiatek said.